Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has spoken out following her controversial ejection and subsequent fine after coming to the aid of teammate Caitlin Clark during a physical showdown with the Connecticut Sun.
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The incident unfolded in the third quarter when Sun guard Jacy Sheldon poked Clark in the face, followed by a shove from Marina Mabrey that knocked Clark to the floor. When Jacy Sheldon drove toward the hoop in the final seconds of the game, Cunningham responded by forcefully bringing her down — escalating tensions and sparking a scuffle. Cunningham and Sheldon were ejected, and Cunningham received a flagrant-2 foul and fine by the WNBA.
Cunningham has now addressed the discipline at a recent team practice, defending her actions as part of her role within the team and claiming Clark has not been protected.
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“I’m not focused on the extra curricular activities, and it was just a part of the game,” she said. “I think the refs had a lot to do with that. It’s been a build up for a couple of years now, of them not protecting the star player of the WNBA. At the end of the day, I’m going to protect my teammates, that’s what I do and I’m a team player.”
Cunningham highlighted what she described as a systemic failure by officials to adequately shield star players like Clark from aggressive defense. Fever head coach Stephanie White also criticized the referees’ failure to maintain control and ensure player safety.
Criticism of officiating in recent Fever games is not new. White has previously commented on the inadequate protection for Clark, including after a close contest against the New York Liberty, arguing the league must improve its consistency and oversight.
Public reaction to Cunningham’s role as Clark’s protector has been mixed. While some fans have pushed for harsh seasonal penalties — calling for her removal entirely — others praised her actions as justified, asserting she was defending a teammate under unfair treatment.
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A Change.org petition demanding Cunningham be banned from the league garnered hundreds of signatures, though defenders noted that Clark had been repeatedly targeted and that Cunningham’s response was instinctive.
WNBA leaders chose not to suspend Cunningham, opting instead for fines for both Cunningham and Mabrey, while no additional fines were issued to others involved. The WNBA doesn’t disclose the amount of money players are fined.
As the Fever prepares for further play in the Commissioner’s Cup and beyond, Cunningham’s strong stance sends a clear message: she will continue to guard her teammates passionately—whether under the spotlight or scrutiny.
